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Wisconsin Birth Certificates

Learn how to obtain a Wisconsin birth certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS). The current processing time for a replacement is approximately 10 business days, and the state fee for birth certificates is $20.00 and $3.00 for each additional copy in the same order. Authorized individuals who can request these certificates include the person on record, family members, and legal representatives.

How to Order Wisconsin Birth Certificates

You can now order Wisconsin birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Wisconsin DHS by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before placing an order, confirm the associated costeligibilityrequirements, and processing time.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Wisconsin birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order Wisconsin Birth Certificates?

Proof of identity, such as a state ID or U.S. passport, is required for all submissions to the Wisconsin DHS - VRS, which has specific requirements based on individual circumstances. Refer to the table below for details on required information and documents.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

State Driver's License
State ID
Valid Government ID
Passport
US Military ID
Tribal ID

Bank Statement
Rental Agreement
Health Insurance Card
Utility Bill
Traffic Ticket
Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Title

How to Get a Wisconsin Birth Certificate Without ID

If you do not possess a valid primary ID, you may use two secondary forms of identification with your application, such as a bank statement, health insurance card, or utility bill. Alternatively, an authorized third party can submit the request on your behalf, provided they provide proof of identity and relationship to you.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Wisconsin?

The costs for replacing a birth certificate in Wisconsin vary depending on the application method. There are different fees for mail and online requests set by the Wisconsin DHS. The first certified copy costs $20.00, and each additional copy, when ordered simultaneously, costs $3.00. Rush processing may be available for an additional fee through the Wisconsin DHS’ website. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus the state fee. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$20.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $3.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Wisconsin?

The total time to receive a replacement Wisconsin birth certificate varies depending on the current processing times and the application method. The standard processing time is approximately 10 business days. Rush processing may be available through the Wisconsin DHS’ website. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered



Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Wisconsin Birth Certificate?

Access to certified Wisconsin birth certificates is restricted for 100 years after birth to protect confidentiality, allowing access only to the individual named on the record and authorized people. All applicants must provide proof of their identity. Verify eligibility before requesting on behalf of the individual named on the record.



Authorized People


  • Authorized Agent
  • Children
  • Domestic Partner
  • Grandparents
  • Legal Guardian
  • Other person of interest (personal and property rights)
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

The Wisconsin DHS does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements, whether the request is made online or by mail. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.

However, a notarized application may be required in specific counties or municipalities or when third parties, such as family members or legal representatives with "direct, tangible interest," are submitting the request.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place an order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the DHS – Vital Records Office.

When manually mailing your birth certificate request to the DHS – Vital Records Office, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. Mail tracking is recommended to guarantee your certificate's timely handling and secure delivery. Once records leave the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Wisconsin Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, your birth would have been recorded with the U.S. Department of State, and you would not have a birth certificate on record with the state of Wisconsin. You can obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240) by contacting the U.S. Department of State. The CRBA, equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate, provides evidence of U.S. citizenship and is legally accepted for various purposes, such as applying for a passport and accessing social services.

    If you need to obtain an original birth record, you must contact the hospital in the country where the birth occurred.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Wisconsin Birth Certificate?

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    Certified copies of a Wisconsin birth certificate are vital for various uses in life, such as establishing your identity and citizenship, legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel. They are government-issued and recognized by legal and commercial entities and provide proof of legal name, place, date of birth, and parent's names. Official birth certificates are government-issued and recognized by legal and commercial entities.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license

  • What Does a Wisconsin Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    The appearance of official birth certificates can vary by year of issue but will incorporate distinct features stipulated by the Wisconsin DHS to validate their authenticity (as per state guidelines). Official birth certificates bear features such as the state seal, individual's name, and registrar's signature and are issued on secure paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    Official (long-form) birth certificates are legally accepted and distinct from informational (short-form) copies, typically used for personal or commemorative reasons.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Wisconsin Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy by mail or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the Wisconsin (DHS).
      a. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the Wisconsin DHS at:
      Wisconsin Vital Records Office
      PO Box 309 Madison, WI 53701
      c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. The Wisconsin DHS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a Wisconsin Birth Certificate

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    The process for amending a Wisconsin birth certificate varies depending on the changes required. An addendum is a supplement issued to correct or update the information on a birth certificate while preserving the original record. Types of amendments and corrections that require a court order include:

    Name Change: Contact the clerk of court in the county where you live. The court fee is $10.00 to amend a record.

    A Sex Change: A certified copy of a court order from the United States or Canada that orders the sex designation on the birth record to be changed. The court fee is $20.00 to change the record.

    Typically, amendments to Wisconsin birth certificates will require:

    Wisconsin DHS will review the amendment submittal and send you instructions if needed.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Wisconsin Birth Certificate

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    You can request an apostille through the Wisconsin Secretary of State or use VRO's Express Apostille Service for online orders. Apostilles are issued exclusively by the Wisconsin Secretary of State and are generally needed when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

    To manually obtain an apostille for a Wisconsin birth certificate, complete the following steps:

    1. Complete the Authentication & Apostille Order Form: Obtain and complete the appropriate Apostille Request Form from the Wisconsin Secretary of State's office.
    2. Prepare the Required Documents: Include a certified copy of your birth certificate and the completed Authentication & Apostille Form.
    3. Pay the Applicable Fees: Ensure you include the payment with a check or money for the apostille service fee ($10.00 standard; $35.00 expedited), made out to the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
    4. Include a prepaid self-addressed envelope or courier label for the return delivery unless you pick up your certificate in person at the State Capitol Building.
    5. Submit Your Request: You can submit your request by mail or in person. If submitting by mail, send the form, documents, and payment to the following address:

    Mail via USPS:


    Mail via courier:


    In Person Submissions: